A man was evicted from Manchester city centre prior to a planned rally by the far-right group Britain First on February 21, 2026. As the group gathered near Piccadilly station at noon for their controversial march advocating for “remigration and mass deportations,” a significant police presence was mobilized in the area.
Britain First Rally and Police Response
The planned rally was set to commence at 12 PM but was delayed as supporters were held in position by the police for over an hour. The rally officially began around 1 PM. In the lead-up to the event, authorities issued a 10-hour dispersal order, granting them additional power to manage the crowd.
Police Actions and Arrests
According to a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man evicted from the area was not arrested but was escorted into the back of a police van. By 1 PM, police reported making three arrests for various offenses:
- Breach of dispersal order
- Assault on an emergency worker
- Breach of peace
As the situation unfolded, a substantial police presence remained across the city centre. Mounted officers were positioned at strategic points around the rally site.
Counter-Demonstrations
Concurrent to the Britain First rally, counter-demonstrations were held by various groups, including Stand Up To Racism. These protesters gathered in Piccadilly Gardens to oppose the far-right gathering. Manchester’s council leader, Bev Craig, stated that Britain First was not welcome in the city, urging residents to unite against hate.
Overall, the authorities aimed to ensure public safety and prevent any escalation of conflict during the events. The police’s proactive measures highlight their commitment to maintaining order in the face of divisive demonstrations.
